Utilities
A critical component of AOBA's advocacy effort is its work to contain utility costs for members. Over the years, AOBA's continued involvement in utility regulatory proceedings in DC, Maryland and Virginia has resulted in millions of dollars saved by its members and their tenants and residents. For more info, contact: Frann Francis , Senior Vice President and General Counsel, ffrancis@aoba-metro.org, 202-296-3390 or Bruce Oliver (economist/expert on utility rates and energy market issues), Revilo Associates, Inc., boliver.rha@verizon.net, 703-569-6480. For the latest issue of AOBA's newsletter, "At Issue-Utility Update," click here.
Note to Members with Virginia properties: Dominion has revised its commercial and residential energy efficiency programs. To review a June 2012 powerpoint overview, click here.
Note to Members with DC properties: Energy benchmarking regulations are now final.The final rulemaking, all guidance documents, and the reporting templates are on DDOE’s website at http://ddoe.dc.gov/energybenchmarking/.
Note to Members with Maryland Properties: If you are a Pepco customer, check out this Pepco presentation presented on Feb.29,2012. You'll find info on new and enhanced Pepco incentives available for energy efficiency projects in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties! For more info, visit www.pepco.com/business or call 1-866-353-5798 or email PepcoEnergyEffiency@LMBPS.com
Also, for more information about utility issues, a Glossary of Terms and energy market updates, visit the AOBA Alliance, Inc's website: www.aobaalliance.com
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WSCC Unit Billing Count Update
Good News: WSSC Approves New Policy for “Unit Billing Count” for Mixed Use, Commercial and Residential Properties - Nearly two years since WSSC originally proposed changes to the unit billing count procedures for mixed use properties, the Commission unanimously approved a new Standard Operating Procedure (CUS 11-01) on June 15 to be used for Unit Count Billing. This procedure addresses billing for mixed use, commercial and residential properties currently served by one meter, and incorporates changes requested by AOBA.
Mixed-Use Buildings that contain high-flow commercial businesses, such as restaurants and laundry/dry cleaners, are required to separately meter these units in order to continue receiving the unit count discount. (Based on the Pipeline Design Manual Table 19c.) “Separately metered” is defined as a separate WSSC meter installed at the individual high-flow unit to measure that unit’s flow, or it refers to a WSSC “master” meter installed to register the flow to two or more high-flow units. Additionally, the procedure includes a waiver and an appeal process.
Buildings that contain no high-flow commercial units are grandfathered, thereby allowing the building to receive the unit count discount; however, any non-high-flow commercial units in the building would not be counted as residential units for billing purposes.
Separate metering of commercial and residential units will be required for all new construction. The effective date is Dec. 31,2011, to allow time for the installation of any needed equipment.
Utilities Updates (an "At Issue" email newsletter developed each month) are available to all current AOBA members. Click for Current issue. To view previous Utility Updates, please visit the Utilities Updates Archive. Questions? Email utaylor@aoba-metro.org.
For info about current water and sewer rates for DC, MD and VA, click here.
Budgeting Assistance for VA Power Electric Rates
As a planning tool to assist AOBA's Virginia property owners in determining future energy expenditures, AOBA Economist Bruce Oliver has prepared spreadsheets that: (1) review Virginia Power's current and proposed surcharges for demand billed commercial customer accounts; and (2) provide estimates of calendar year 2011 percentage changes in surcharges. Under the terms of the approved settlement, Virginia Power's base rates will not change prior to Dec. 1, 2013. AOBA will update rate change data and analyses for Virginia Power when the Virginia State Corporation Commission approves final surcharge levels. If questions arise, or to request the spreadsheets, AOBA members may contact the AOBA office.
Pepco Funding for Energy Efficiency Projects in MD
PEPCO'S MARYLAND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM UPDATES - Pepco has announced changes to their energy efficiency incentive programs that are offered in their Maryland service territory. Use the links below to learn more about the enhancements, applications, guidelines and more:
- Bulk Appliance Rebate Incentive for Multi-Family Master Metered Properties.
- Pole Lighting for parking lots and walkways are now eligible through the Alternative Lighting Incentive.
- Energy Savings Study Incentives are available for buildings 25K square feet or greater and older than two years.
- Operations and Maintenance Training Incentive has new eligibility guidelines.
- Custom Short form Incentive Process for chillers and heat pumps.
For more information, visit www.pepco.com/business, call 866-353-5798 or email PepcoEnergyEfficiency@LMBPS.com.
Utility Committee
For meeting handouts and presentions, click here.
